Project 543 tells the story of unique spots across North Carolina we hope will become some of your favorite places. Why 543? Because that’s the number of miles from Manteo, on the coast, to Murphy, in the mountains, and is traditionally considered to be the width of our state. The entries in this project are in no particular order, and we’ll add to them each week. Check in often to find inspiration for your next trip, or start planning today at VisitNC.com.

What is Project 543?

Project 543 tells the story of unique spots across North Carolina we hope will become some of your favorite places. Why 543? Because that’s the number of miles from Manteo, on the coast, to Murphy, in the mountains, and is traditionally considered to be the width of our state. The entries in this project are in no particular order, and we’ll add to them each week. Check in often to find inspiration for your next trip, or start planning today at VisitNC.com.

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Hit the beach at America's first National Seashore

One of the most distinct and spectacular aspects of the Outer Banks is the natural, scenic and remote condition of so much of this vast coastal area that is so close to major population centers along the East Coast. The fact that this pristine wilderness still exists and is accessible to the public is largely due to the 1937 establishment of the Cape Hatteras National Seashore, America’s first National Seashore. History also played a role as the National Park Service was given responsibility for preserving historic areas shortly before the creation of the seashore, which the New York Times called “one of the most important conservation measures ever voted upon by Congress.” The Seashore preserves and protects more than 28,000 acres including 75 miles of amazing beaches, historic sites and quaint beach communities. The narrow barrier islands of Cape Hatteras National Seashore have been witness to everything from Civil War battles to the life and death of Blackbeard the pirate, thousands of shipwrecks, the advent and demise of the U.S. Lifesaving Service and even World War II U-Boat attacks. These tiny strips of land some 20 miles out in the ocean are constantly changing by tide, storm, current and wind. However, they remain as they were described in the 1930s, “an atmosphere of remoteness which is relatively unspoiled by commercial recreational development and protected water for bathing and other sports.”